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Organic, Biodynamic, Sustainable: What does it all mean?

When browsing the shelves, you may notice that some wines are labeled organic, biodynamic, or sustainable.  Here is the scoop on what these labels entail.

Like anything else labeled organic, organic wines must adhere to the principles of organic farming.  This means they are made from grapes grown without the use artificial chemical fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, or fungicides.  Organic wines are also made without any additional sulfites.  Additional sulfites may be used in wines that are labeled “made with organically grown grapes”.

Biodynamics is a spiritual-ethical-ecological approach to agriculture.  Biodynamic farming adheres to many of the same principles as organic, with a few additional twists.  Biodynamic farmers view their vineyards as an individual ecosystem.  These wines are made with minimal manipulation of the grapes.  This means using natural ambient yeast, and no acidification adjustments.  Biodynamic farming also includes a series of nine preparations, ranging from burying cow horns filled with quartz to spraying valerian flower juice into the compost.  Through these practices, farmers strive to create a diversified, balanced, fertile and healthy ecosystem in their vineyards.

Sustainable wineries often farm with organic and/or biodynamic practices.  There is also emphasized focus on being environmentally sound, social equitable, and economically feasible.  Many sustainable wineries use gravity flow techniques in making the wine, solar power, and grey water treatment.  They also focus on the ecology of the vineyard, using natural pest management techniques and promoting diversity.

Great wines start in the vineyard.  Make sure to check out our wonderful selection of organic, biodynamic, and sustainable wines.